Leaving Carminal, we went over to Illa de Arousa to refuel at the pier. It was all very efficient, although I would not choose to do it as less than half tide. The local fishermen were busy all over the Ria attending to their mussel rafts.

Inside the islands, the sea was quite smooth and the wind light. As soon as we pushed out to the west we experienced the swell and fresh NW wind. Once again we had really good visibility except where the rain showers closed the coast. We came into the yacht club marina at Portison, and were guided to a secure berth by two of the club staff. Our first impressions are that the club is just as welcoming and efficient as Reed's suggests. By contrast, the town is a bit basic, but has all the necessary amenities. But that evening we had an excellent and reasonably priced meal in the yacht club - the mussels fried in garlic were heavenly….

Thursday morning brought heavy rain and leaden skies.The ladies in the yacht club complained that they had never known such cold and wet weather for May. When a clearance came in the afternoon we left to cross the Ria to Muros, only to be caught in another downpour half way across. The anchorage is good, but the weather gave no incentive to launch the dinghy and explore ashore. Then just as we were going to bed, the customs launch came alongside, and courteously recorded all our details.

The next morning brought more heavy rain, which rather discouraged our early start. When it eased we left, and had improving weather all the way to Caraminas, which is the first Ria on the Costa da Morte. We really liked Camarinas, as we were told we would. We spent the first night in the yacht club marina, and had supper in the club, and then moved out to anchor in beautiful surroundings. We got the dinghy out and explored further up the Ria. By now we were enjoying bright and hot sunshine - really nice after the last few days.

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